tor. But when his affection to him
made him shed tears, he retired, desiring he might not be seen in that
plight by his brethren. Then Joseph took them to supper, and they were
set down in the same order as they used to sit at their father's table.
And although Joseph treated them all kindly, yet did he send a mess to
Benjamin that was double to what the rest of the guests had for their
shares.

7. Now when after supper they had composed themselves to sleep, Joseph
commanded his steward both to give them their measures of corn, and to
hide its price again in their sacks; and that withal they should put
into Benjamin's sack the golden cup, out of which he loved himself to
drink.--which things he did, in order to make trial of his brethren,
whether they would stand by Benjamin when he should be accused of having
stolen the cup, and should appear to be in danger; or whether they would
leave him, and, depending on their own innocency, go to their father
without him. When the servant had done as he was bidden, the sons of
Jacob, knowing nothing of all this, went their way, and took Symeon
along with them, and had a double cause of joy, both because they had
received him again, and because they took back Benjamin to their father,
as they had promised. But presently a troop of horsemen encompassed
them, and brought with them Joseph's servant, who had put the cup into
Benjamin's sack. Upon which unexpected attack of the horsemen they were
much disturbed, and asked what the reason was that they came thus upon
men, who a little before had been by their lord thought worthy of an
honorable and hospitable reception? They replied, by calling them wicked
wretches, who had forgot that very hospitable and kind treatment which
Joseph had given them, and did not scruple to be injurious to him, and
to carry off that cup out of which he had, in so friendly a manner,
drank to them, and not regarding their friendship with Joseph, no more
than the danger they should be in if they were taken, in comparison of
the unjust gain. Hereupon he threatened that they should be punished;
for though they had escaped the knowledge of him who was but a servant,
yet had they not escaped the knowledge of God, nor had gone off with
what they had stolen; and, after all, asked why we come upon them, as
if they knew nothing of the matter: and he told them that they should
immediately know it by their punishment. This, and more of the same
nature, did the servant